일 농촌지역(강화도) 노인 정신장애의 역학적 연구(III)

A Pattern of Mental Disorders (K-OARS) in the Elderly in a Korean Rural Community (Kangwha County)

This study reports the overall prevalence of several dimensions of mental dysfunctions and examines the relationship between mental problems and a set of demographic variables. The older Americans Resources and Services(OARS)-Korean version multidimensional functional assessment questionnaire and Mini Mental State Examination were administered to a stratified second stage cluster sample of 1,005 noninstitutionalized elderly persons age over 65. The variables under investigation represent self-reports, self-rating, and interviewer ratings of various mental problems and symptoms included in the questionnaire. The findings show that many elderly persons don’t possess the cognitive capacity and mental resources necessary to manage the tasks of living independently. Self-rating mental health and psychological well-being of elderly people are positively correlated with nearly all demographic variables.